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Judiciary

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1. Can the court give me legal advice?

Judges and court staff are not permitted to provide legal advice. You should contact your attorney if possible. The Columbus Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for both civil and criminal actions, the Legal Aid Society of Columbus will sometimes represent persons who cannot afford a lawyer in a civil action, and the Court can appoint a public defender for those who cannot afford counsel in criminal matters. Find more resources at Franklin County Law Library.

2. How can I find out if a motion, order or entry has been filed for a particular case?

Please access the Franklin County Clerk of Courts Online Case Information site.

3. Can I come and watch a trial?

Courtrooms and procedures are open to the public. However, certain subject matters may be inappropriate for small children and younger adults. Discretion should be taken in these instances.

4. What is the address and phone number of the court?

The address and phone number of the court are:
Franklin County Common Pleas Court
345 S High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Assignment Phone: 614.525.3453

5. Can the court recommend an attorney or law firm?

• The Columbus Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for both civil and criminal actions.
• The Court can appoint a public defender for those who cannot afford counsel in criminal matters.
• The Legal Aid Society of Columbus will sometimes represent persons who cannot afford a lawyer in a civil action.

6. How do I get to the courthouse?

Follow directions to the courthouse.

7. How can I find out which Judge is assigned to a case?

See the Clerk of Courts’ online records.

8. What hours is the court open?

The court is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact the Court directly for holiday hours. The Court is closed on certain holidays.

9. Where are the magistrates' offices?

The magistrates’ offices are located at:
Common Pleas Courthouse
345 S High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

10. How many Judges does Common Pleas Court have?

We currently have 17 Judges in the General Division.

11. Where is the clerk’s office located?

The clerk’s offices are located at:

• Franklin County Court of Pleas Clerk’s Office
  345 S High Street
  1st Floor
  Columbus, OH 43215
• Municipal Clerk
  375 S High Street
  1st Floor
  Columbus, OH 43215

12. How do I get a civil protection stalking order?

Please refer to the civil protection stalking order (CSPO) page for more information.

13. Do all common pleas court trials have juries?

There are some cases that are tried directly to a judge or a 3-judge panel rather than to a jury.

14. How are Common Pleas Judges chosen?

Common Pleas Judges are elected to serve six-year terms.

15. Can I bring my cell phone or pager to court?

You may bring your cell phone or pager to Court; however, they must be turned off prior to entering any courtroom.

16. How do I arrange for a court tour for my students/class?

Contact the Stacy Worthington, Director of Court Support Services, at 614.525.2529.

17. Can I act as my own attorney?

Parties have the right to represent themselves. However, doing so puts them at a distinct disadvantage. The law is complex. Failure to follow proper procedures or to inform this Court of relevant legal authority can result in judgment being entered against a party.

Resources

• The Columbus Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for both civil and criminal actions.
• The Court can appoint a public defender for those who cannot afford counsel in criminal matters.
• The Legal Aid Society of Columbus will sometimes represent persons who cannot afford a lawyer in a civil action.

18. How can I find a lawyer?

Lawyers may be found through the following resources:

• The Columbus Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for both civil and criminal actions.
• The Court can appoint a public defender for those who cannot afford counsel in criminal matters.
• The Legal Aid Society of Columbus will sometimes represent persons who cannot afford a lawyer in a civil action.

19. How do I get a transcript?

Please refer to Transcripts page for information on obtaining a court transcript.

20. Where can I park?

There are two Franklin County garages connected to the Court Complex. 

Costs vary depending on length of time in garage

• Franklin County Commissioners Garage
  34 E Fulton Street
  Columbus, OH 43215
• Franklin County Detention Home Center Garage
  399 S Front Street
  Columbus, OH 43215

There is also parking at the Columbus Commons Garage as well as a number of other surface lots adjacent to the Courthouse.

21. What should I wear to court?

Proper attire is expected at all court proceedings. Shorts and/or tank tops are not permitted. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any courtroom.